North West Tasmania had the exciting opportunity to host the 16th Australian Masters Games (AMG) in October this year. Participants ventured from all Australian states and territories with 17 other countries also represented at the Games.

We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Unisport in Burnie to create the signage for the 2017 AMG events. Our creative brief was to design a suite of signage for indoor and outdoor events incorporating the games logo and brand colours. The finished design used highly visible typography, splashes of bright colour and free flowing swooshes inspired by the games logo. This design featured on ‘teardrop’ flags, pop up a-frames, stadium/fencing signage and the ‘winners’ archway.

In addition to being a supplier of the recent games, we were also spectators. On a glorious Tasmanian spring day, Anita was delighted to visit the Penguin Athletics Track and watch her friends Kylie and Lyn both compete and take out medals in the 400 metres, in their respective categories. Well done, ladies! Anita said, "I was very impressed at the fitness level of all Masters competitors and totally in awe of the senior hurdlers, who ran really well and almost without incident. The quality of the track in Penguin was outstanding – in conjunction with the good weather on the day, made it a very enjoyable event to attend."

According to the official AMG website, the 2017 event highlights include:

– Oldest competitor Ted Moule who competed in sailing all week at the age of 93
– Heather Lee clocked a world record of 24:56 in the 3000m walk at 90 years of age
– Fly fishing and trail running made their debuts on the Australian Masters Games program
– Dragon Boat was a big hit at Lake Barrington with a festival-like atmosphere

The AMG was such an exciting event for North West Tasmania to host – the organisers, many volunteers and over 5,000 participants helped make the 16th AMG a great success. General manager Scott Wade praised all involved and said “Every council throughout Tasmania’s North West has done a great job with their sporting facilities. To have 47 sports this week across 65 venues, every council has done an amazing job to provide facilities and support for the Games.”

The flow on effect from the many visitors was a big boost to the local economy with most accommodation venues booked out and cafes and restaurants enjoying a roaring trade during the event.